Self-registering roof ventilation system

ABSTRACT

A self-registering roof ventilation system comprised of a panel including flanged lateral edges. At least one flanged lateral edge has a registration tab for registering with an adjacent panel. The panel is installed on top of roof framing members prior to the addition of roof sheathing so that the flanged lateral edges can be secured between the roof framing members and the roof sheathing. The panel in combination with the roof sheathing creates a vent channel for channeling air from soffit vents along the underside of the roof sheathing and out of the attic through a ridge vent. The panel may further comprises a baffle flap with a living hinge that is adjustable to any pitched roof. The baffle flap forms a barrier to stop insulation from the attic from getting into the eave space and obstructing the soffit vents. Additional panels can be added to extend the length of the vent channel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a roof ventilation system. Inparticular, the present invention is directed to a roof ventilationsystem that incorporates an eave component and optional continuationcomponents, each component comprising a panel including at least oneregistration tab for self-registering to an adjacent panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Residential and commercial buildings with sloped roofs typically includean open, unheated attic. The proper use of insulation and ventilationwithin the attic space can provide both energy conservation and helpreduce common adverse conditions associated with moisture build up andextreme temperature variations. For example, during the summer extremeheat in the attic can degrade the roofing materials and increase coolingcosts for the space below the attic. Insulation is normally placed inthe ceiling/attic floor assembly to insulate the occupied levels of thebuilding from the heat that builds up in the attic. A ventilation systemis usually incorporated to reduce heat build-up and remove moisture fromthe attic. The ventilation system requires a combination of soffit ventsthat bring air into the attic and a ridge vent that allows air to ventout of the attic. In general, the air is moved along the underside ofthe roof sheathing by thermal convection. Where the soffit vents arelocated below the eaves of the roof, it is important to provide an airpathway between the soffit vent and the underside of the roof sheathingto allow for this air movement. This air pathway will allow cool air toenter through the soffit vent, run along the underside of the roof andexit through a ridge vent to cool the roof and allow moisture to escape.In cold climates, inadequate insulation and ventilation at the eavesoften results in repeated freezing and thawing of snow which producesice dams at the roof eaves. These dams can cause water to creep up underthe shingles and leak into the building. Lack of ventilation will alsocause moisture to condense on the underside of the roof and within theinsulation. This moisture will degrade both the roof sheathing andreduce the effectiveness of the insulation. Prolonged moisture can alsoresult in mold growth in the attic space. This condition can again bemitigated by providing a continuous and clear air pathway from thesoffit vent along the underside of the roof to a ridge vent. Cool airentering from the soffit vent will flow through this pathway to cool theunderside of the roof reducing snow melt higher up the roof that wouldthen flow down the roof and freeze near the eaves creating an ice dam.The thermal convection of air will also remove airborne moisture thatwould otherwise condense on the underside of the roof or in theinsulation.

It is therefore common in the building industry, and required by mostbuilding codes, to install some form of roof ventilation system thatwill provide a vent channel (air pathway) on the underside of the roofrunning from the eave space to an upper portion of the roof. It is alsocommon to install some type of baffle that fits between roof framingmembers at the exterior wall plane to prevent insulation materials fromgetting into the eave space and thereby blocking the soffit vents. Mostprior art roof ventilation baffles are designed to be installed afterthe roof has been completely sheathed with plywood or some othersubstrate. The process of installing and fitting “vent chutes” andbaffles into the narrow, sloped areas where the eave portion of the roofintersects the exterior wall structure of the building can be tediousand time consuming. This process can lead to both ineffective ventformation and increased labor costs when constructing a building. It isapparent to those skilled in the art that opportunity exists forproviding new and improved ventilation structures that can create an airpassage between the soffit vents and the attic ridge vent. Such astructure should be one that is pre-formed, easy to align, does not haveto be cut, and can adjust to any angle roof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a roof ventilationsystem comprising a panel that includes flanged lateral edges. At leastone flanged lateral edge has a registration tab for registering with anadjacent panel. When the flanged lateral edges are secured between thetop of roof framing members and the roof sheathing, a vent channel iscreated between the roof and the panel.

Another aspect is directed to a method of forming a roof vent channelcomprising the steps of providing a framed roof with exposed roofframing members and a panel including flanged lateral edges. At leastone of the flanged lateral edges has a registration tab for registeringwith an adjacent panel. The method then includes registering the panelto the adjacent panel on the roof framing members and securing the panelto the roof framing members. Roof sheathing is installed over the roofframing members and the panel to create the roof vent channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following detailed description of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a cut away, perspective view of a roof ventilation system inaccordance with the present invention showing eave components securedadjacent to each other on roof framing members with registration tabsaligned to registration gaps and a hinged baffle flap oriented to stopinsulation from getting into the eave space;

FIG. 1 b is a sectional, partial cut away, side view of the roofventilation system in FIG. 1 a, showing the baffle flap, the formationof the vent channel and how air flows from the soffit vent through thevent channel and out the ridge vent;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two eave components comprisingpanels laying adjacent to each other and secured to the roof framingmembers;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view perpendicular to two roof framing membersjust interior the attic from the eave space showing the formation of thevent channel and its location relative to insulation;

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a first registration structure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of a second registration structure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of a third registration structure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 d is a perspective view of a fourth registration structure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing key features of an eave componentand how multiple eave components may be compactly stacked for shipping;

FIG. 6 a is a perspective view showing how the incorporation of a livinghinge as part of the eave component, and how this living hinge allowsthe user to adjust the baffle flap for any slope roof;

FIG. 6 b is a perspective view showing the structure of a living hinge;

FIG. 6 c is a perspective view of the living hinge of FIG. 6 b with thebaffle flap now angled to fit the slope of a roof;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing key features of a continuationcomponent;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a continuation component withperforations that allow for additional ventilation of insulation;

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view showing the use of eave components andcontinuation components when the building has a cathedral ceiling;

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view showing the use of eave components andcontinuation components when the building has a finished attic;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how a continuation component maybe installed in a framing bay in conjunction with an eave component toextend the length of a vent channel; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how a user can hold the eavecomponents and continuation components during installation of theself-registering roof ventilation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate the elements of roof ventilation system 20according to the present invention. Roof ventilation system 20, FIGS. 1a and 1 b, is designed to be installed in new or renovated buildings ontop of exposed roof framing members 22 prior to the installation of roofsheathing 24. Roof ventilation system 20 comprises one or more eavecomponents 21 and optional continuation components 23 depending on theapplication. Eave component 21, FIG. 5, comprises a panel 26 includingflanged lateral edges 28 a (a.k.a. first flanged lateral edge) and 28 b(a.k.a. second flanged lateral edge). Panel 26 also includes a first end30 and a second end 32. Panels 26 are preferably rectangular. Panels 26are nominally 16-inches or 24-inches wide to fit over roof framingmembers 22. Roof framing members 22 are usually spaced at 16-inches and24-inches on center. Depending on the application, panels 26 may rangefrom 40-inches to 60-inches in length. The panels may range in thicknessfrom 0.020-inches to 0.080-inches. Flanged lateral edges 28 a and 28 bprotrude upward and outward from a substantially flat middle section 34of panel 26 to provide a means to secure panel 26 to roof framingmembers 22. When in place, the space between the top side of the middlesection 34 and bottom side of roof sheathing 24 will create a continuousvent channel 36 preferably 1.5-inches to 2-inches in depth, FIG. 3.Although preferably flat, middle section 34 of panel 26 may take on anyshape that creates an appropriate vent channel 36. This may include, butis not limited to cross-sections that are arcuate, channeled and ridged.The canted section 38 of each flange allows for easy positioning andprovides for compression/tension adjustment of panel 26 between pairs ofroof framing members 22. Canted sections 38 also define the side wallsof vent channel 36. Canted sections 38 are sized to generally provide1.5-inches to 2-inches of unobstructed space between the underside ofroof sheathing 24 and the top side of middle section 34. This sizingallows for clear air flow and avoids the ends of roofing nails 40 usedduring roofing to damage panel 26. Vent channel 36 runs the full widthof framing bay 41 bounded by roof framing members 22. This providesventilation to 100% of the exposed underside of roof sheathing 24 versusonly a portion of the sheathing as most other prior art does. Thegenerally flat portion of flanged lateral edges 28 a and 28 b thatextends outward from canted sections 38 and runs along the length ofpanel 26 is defined as edge section 42. Canted section 38 may be at oneangle or continuously change angle from middle section 34 to edgesection 42. The bottom side of edge section 42 is designed for restingon top of roof framing members 22 when installed. Edge section 42 mayincorporate or be divided into one or more registration tabs 44 orregistration gaps 46. Edge section 42 may also extend to rest completelyover the top of a roof framing member 22 and extend to go down the otherside of the roof framing member in sort of a hooked fashion, FIG. 4 d.Edge section 42 is the preferred section of panel 26 through which tosecure the panels to roof framing members 22. Panels 26 may be securedby nails, screws, staples or other fastening means 43. Other portions ofpanel 26, such as canted sections 38, may be used to secure the panel toroof framing members 22 without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

Each flanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b of eave component 21 has atleast one registration tab 44 for alignment to an adjacent panel. FIGS.4 a-d show several different registration structures for registrationtab 44. When installed each registration tab 44 preferably aligns withina registration gap 46 of an adjacent panel. It is preferable to have aplurality of registration tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 on eachflanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b of panel 26. It is also preferable tohave a series of alternating registration tabs 44 and registration gaps46 on each flanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b that are approximatelyequal to the width of edge section 42. For a given location along thelength of panel 26 running from first end 30 to second end 32, the firstflanged lateral edge 28 a will have a registration tab 44 and the secondflanged lateral edge 28 b will have a corresponding registration gap 46.Further along the length of panel 26 the first flanged lateral edge 28 awill then have a registration gap 46 and the second flanged lateral edge28 b will then have a registration tap 44. This structure allows panels26 to be laid side-by-side adjacent to each other and have the panelsself-register with registration tab 44 in registration gap 46. It isalso preferable to have registration tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 ofrelatively equal length with the gaps equal to or larger than the tabsso that the tabs fit within the gaps to help aid with registration ofadjacent panels and provide tight alignment tolerances. Overall,registration tab 44 and registration gap 46 alignment tolerances shouldbe 0.25-inches or less. For example, registration tabs 44 are preferably5⅞ inches long and have an edge section 42 width of 1½ inches.Registration gaps 46 are preferably 6⅛ inches long and have an edgesection 42 width of 1½ inches.

Eave component 21 further includes a baffle flap 48 on first end 30 ofpanel 26. Baffle flap 48 is preferably 13½ inches long, but the baffleflap may take any length appropriate for the exact application. Baffleflap 48 is integrated with panel 26 by way of a living hinge 50. Panel26 and baffle flap 48 are preferably fabricated as one integral unitduring manufacture. Baffle flap 48 is adjusted down during installationto create a barrier between attic space 52 and eave space 54. Thepurpose of baffle flap 48 is to keep insulation 56, which may be laid orblown between ceiling framing members 58, from getting into eave space54. Baffle flap 48 has two baffle flap tabs 60 a and 60 b that areformed from the canted sections 38. Baffle flap tabs 60 a and 60 b aresecured by fastening means 43 such as nails, screws and staples to thesides of roof framing members 22 as shown in FIG. 2.

Baffle flap 48 can adjust for any slope roof by way of living hinge 50,FIG. 6 a. Living hinge 50 is formed as a thinned region at the first endof panel 26. This thinned region is created during the manufacture ofpanels 26 by a press with a blunt heated blade, contact with a hot wire,partial milling or other means similar thinning means. A close-up viewof the structure of living hinge 50 is shown in FIG. 6 b and 6 c. Livinghinge 50 extends continuously across the length of middle section 34 ofpanel 26 at first end 30. Where middle section 34 meets canted section38, living hinge 50 terminates as a gap in the canted sections of bothflanged lateral edges 28 a and 28 b. Living hinge 50 is not a perforatedfold line or line that needs to be scored as is the case in the priorart. Fold lines are subject to creasing and generate poorly formedfolds. Score lines are subject to the user improperly scoring the baffleand having the baffle not fold uniformly where needed.

Eave component 21 may further include one or more openings 60 nearsecond edge 32. Openings 60 may be a gap, a slot or other appropriatelyshaped opening. Opening 60 may be positioned adjacent to or justinterior second end 32. The primary function of opening 60 is to acceptan interlocking tab 62 from continuation component 23, FIG. 10. Opening60 also functions to help with self-registering continuation component23 to eave component 21. Furthermore, opening 60 may function as aconvenient way to carry or hold eave component 21 during installation,FIG. 11.

Continuation component 23 is for extending the length of vent channel 36in certain applications. Continuation component 23, shown in FIGS. 7 and8, comprises a panel 26 including flanged lateral edges 28 a (a.k.a.first flanged lateral edge) and 28 b (a.k.a. second flanged lateraledge). Panel 26 also includes a first end 30 and a second end 32. Panels26 are preferably rectangular. Panels 26 are nominally 16-inches or24-inches wide to fit over roof framing members 22. Roof framing members22 are usually spaced at 16-inches and 24-inches on center. Depending onthe application, panels 26 may range from 40-inches to 60-inches inlength. The panels may range in thickness from 0.020-inches to0.080-inches. Flanged lateral edges 28 a and 28 b protrude upward andoutward from a substantially flat middle section 34 of panel 26 toprovide a means to secure panel 26 to roof framing members 22. When inplace, the space between the top side of the middle section 34 andbottom side of roof sheathing 24 will create a continuous vent channel36 preferably 1.5-inches to 2-inches in depth, FIG. 3. Althoughpreferably flat, middle section 34 of panel 26 may take on any shapethat creates an appropriate vent channel 36. This may include, but isnot limited to cross-sections that are arcuate, channeled and ridged.The canted section 38 of each flange allows for easy positioning andprovides for compression/tension adjustment of panel 26 between pairs ofroof framing members 22. Canted sections 38 also define the side wallsof vent channel 36. Canted sections 38 are sized to generally provide1.5-inches to 2-inches of unobstructed space between the underside ofroof sheathing 24 and the top side of middle section 34. This sizingallows for clear air flow and avoids the ends of roofing nails 40 usedduring roofing to damage panel 26. Vent channel 36 runs the full widthof framing bay 41 bounded by roof framing members 22. This providesventilation to 100% of the exposed underside of roof sheathing 24 versusonly a portion of the sheathing as most other prior art does. Thegenerally flat portion of flanged lateral edges 28 a and 28 b thatextends outward from canted sections 38 and runs along the length ofpanel 26 is defined as edge section 42. Canted section 38 may be at oneangle or continuously change angle from middle section 34 to edgesection 42. The bottom side of edge section 42 is designed for restingon top of roof framing members 22 when installed. Edge section 42 mayincorporate or be divided into one or more registration tabs 44 orregistration gaps 46. Edge section 42 may also extend to rest completelyover the top of a roof framing member 22 and extend to go down the otherside of the roof framing member in sort of a hooked fashion, FIG. 4 d.Edge section 42 is the preferred section of panel 26 through which tosecure the panels to roof framing members 22. Panels 26 may be securedby nails, screws, staples or other fastening means 43. Other portions ofpanel 26, such as canted sections 38, may be used to secure the panel toroof framing members 22 without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

Each flanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b of continuation component 23 hasat least one registration tab 44 for alignment to an adjacent panel.FIGS. 4 a-d show several different registration structures forregistration tab 44. When installed each registration tab 44 preferablyaligns within a registration gap 46 of an adjacent panel. It ispreferable to have a plurality of registration tabs 44 and registrationgaps 46 on each flanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b of panel 26. It isalso preferable to have a series of alternating registration tabs 44 andregistration gaps 46 on each flanged lateral edge 28 a and 28 b that areapproximately equal to the width of edge section 42. For a givenlocation along the length of panel 26 running from first end 30 tosecond end 32, the first flanged lateral edge 28 a will have aregistration tab 44 and the second flanged lateral edge 28 b will have acorresponding registration gap 46. Further along the length of panel 26the first flanged lateral edge 28 a will then have a registration gap 46and the second flanged lateral edge 28 b will then have a registrationtap 44. This structure allows panels 26 to be laid side-by-side adjacentto each other and have the panels self-register with registration tab 44in registration gap 46. It is also preferable to have registration tabs44 and registration gaps 46 of relatively equal length with the gapsequal to or larger than the tabs so that the tabs fit within the gaps tohelp aid with registration of adjacent panels and provide tightalignment tolerances. Overall, registration tab 44 and registration gap46 alignment tolerances should be 0.25-inches or less. For example,registration tabs 44 are preferably 5⅞ inches long and have an edgesection 42 width of 1½ inches. Registration gaps 46 are preferably 6⅛inches long and have an edge section 42 width of 1½ inches.

Continuation component 23 may further comprise at least one interlockingtab 62 at first end 30 for interlocking with a second continuationcomponent 23 or an eave component 21. Continuation component 23 mayfurther include one or more openings 60. Openings 60 may be a gap, aslot or other appropriately shaped opening. Opening 60 may be placedadjacent to or just interior second end 32 of panel 26. The primaryfunction of opening 60 is to accept an interlocking tab 62 from a secondcontinuation component 23. Opening 60 also functions to help withself-registering a first continuation component 23 to a secondcontinuation component 23. Furthermore, opening 60 may function as a wayto conveniently carry or hold continuation components 23 duringinstallation.

Eave component 21 and continuation component 23 may include perforations64 as shown in FIG. 8. Perforations 64 provide a way for moisture toescape from insulation 56, enter vent channel 36 and be carried away bythe flowing air. Spray foam insulation requires no perforations 64;while fiberglass, cellulose and open cell spray foam require theperforations. Perforations 64 may range in diameter from 1/16-inch to½-inch and the perforations are spaced from 1-inch to 3-inches apartdepending on the application.

Eave components 21 and continuation components 23 can both be fabricatedusing several methods. These methods include, but are not limited tostamping, extrusion, thermal molding and injection molding. Thepreferred fabrication material is a plastic such as PVC, ABS, HDPE,LDPE, polystyrene or other plastic compound. However, non-plastics suchas corrugated cardboard, thin metal sheets and other composite materialsmay be used. Cost, weight, strength, structural rigidity over theexpected environmental temperature range and fabrication costs alldetermine which material is appropriate for a given application. Sinceeach type of component (eave component 21 or continuation component 23)is substantially flat and each type has the same shape, components ofthe same type can be easily stacked and packaged in groups of 10-24units at a time as shown in FIG. 5. These packages can then be easilyshipped to the work site.

Eave components 21 and continuation components 23 of roof ventilationsystem 20 are designed to be installed on top of exposed roof framingmembers 22 just prior to applying roof sheathing 24. This installationcan occur in new building construction or when a roof structure is beingrenovated. The overall roof structure at installation is similar to thatshown in FIG. 1 a. Installation occurs without roof sheathing 24 andwithout shingles 66 in place. The roof structure comprises roof framingmembers 22 typically spaced at 16-inches or 24-inches on center. Ceilingframing members 58 are secured to roof framing members 22 and wall topplate 68. Ceiling 70 is secured to the bottom of ceiling framing members58. The slope of roof framing members 22 may be any slope as defined bythe building design. Where roof framing members 22 overhang the edge ofthe building they create eave 72. Eave 72, facia 74, soffit 76 andexterior wall 78 of the building create eave space 54. Soffit vents 80are provided continuously or at intervals along soffit 76 as fresh air77 intakes. As shown in FIG. 2, a first panel 26 a (in this case an eavecomponent) is laid on roof framing members 22 and living hinge 50 isaligned with the face of exterior wall 78. Baffle flap 48 overlaps topplate 68 of the exterior wall 78 of the building. Top plate 68 andexterior wall 78 may or may not be covered with plywood 79. Registrationtabs 44 are then fastened to the top of roof framing members 22 asrequired to hold in place, using fasteners 43, for example staples.Baffle flap tabs 60 a and 60 b are then secured to roof framing members22 by appropriate fasteners 43, again for example staples. A secondpanel 26 b is then laid adjacent to first panel 26 a between the nexttwo adjacent roof framing members 22. Registration tabs 44 of secondpanel 26 b are then placed within and registered to registration gaps 46of first panel 26 a. First panel 26 a and second panel 26 b are nowself-registered. The result of registering first panel 26 a to secondpanel 26 b causes the two panels to be aligned to each other. Baffleflap 48 of second panel 26 b is then adjusted and secured to roofframing members 22. This process continues with successive panels untilthe entire eave side of the roof structure is fitted with eavecomponents. Once the eave components are in place, roof sheathing 24 andshingles 66 are installed over roof framing members 22 and panels 26,FIGS. 1 a and 3. This process completes the formation of vent channels36. Insulation 56 can then be blown or laid around the edges of atticspace 52 without worry of the insulation getting into eave space 54 andclogging soffit vents 80. Once roof ventilation system 20 is complete,fresh air 77 enters through soffit vents 80, flows through channel vent36 and exits through ridge vent 82, FIG. 1 b.

In certain applications such as cathedral ceilings 84 (FIG. 9 a) orfinished attics 86 (FIG. 9 b) eave components 21 may require the use ofcontinuation components 23 to extend the length of vent channel 36. FIG.10 shows for a single framing bay 41 how continuation component 23 maybe added to eave component 21. Because each component comprises a panel26, this structure includes a first panel added adjacent to a secondpanel along the length of roof framing members 22. Interlocking tabs 62of continuation component 23 fit within openings 60 of eave component21. Interlocking tabs 62 help register the two components in place.Additional continuation components 23 can be added in a similar mannerto the structure to continue the extension of vent channel 36 asrequired.

As shown in FIG. 11, openings 60 at the second end 32 of panels 26provide for a complete installation system 88 for installing roofventilation system 20. Openings 60 can be used as a method of holdingpanels 26 by a panel hanger 90 while they are being installed by theworker 92.

The invention provides a simple and inexpensive way to create a roofventilation system with air pathways along the bottom side of a roof Theventilation system is easy to install by including self-registering tabsand gaps. Furthermore, the ventilation system can be used in numerousroof ventilation applications by incorporating multiple componentscomprising panels that register and interlock together.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments represented anddescribed above but includes all variants notably those concerning thematerials used to form the eave and continuation components, the exactshape and spacing of registration tabs and gaps, and the cross-sectionalshape used to form the vent channel. Nothing in the above specificationis intended to limit the invention more narrowly than the appendedclaims. The examples given are intended only to be illustrative ratherthan exclusive.

1) A roof ventilation system comprising a panel including flangedlateral edges, a first end and a second end; wherein at least oneflanged lateral edge has a registration tab for registering with anadjacent panel; and wherein when said flanged lateral edges are securedbetween the top of roof framing members and the roof sheathing, a ventchannel is created between the roof and said panel. 2) A roofventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said registration tabregisters with a registration gap in said adjacent panel. 3) A roofventilation system as recited in claim 2, wherein said registration tabfits within said registration gap. 4) A roof ventilation system asrecited in claim 1, wherein said flanged lateral edges include aplurality of said registration tabs. 5) A roof ventilation system asrecited in claim 4, wherein said panel is secured to said roof framingmembers through said plurality of registration tabs. 6) A roofventilation system as recited in claim 1, where said flanged lateraledges include a plurality of registration gaps. 7) A roof ventilationsystem as recited in claim 1, further comprising a baffle flap at saidfirst end. 8) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 7, whereinsaid baffle flap is connected to said first end by a living hinge. 9) Aroof ventilation system as recited in claim 7, wherein the orientationof said baffle flap can adjust to be secured to the roof framing membersto create a barrier between the attic and eave space for any slope thatthe roof has. 10) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1,wherein the width of said panel is substantially equal the space betweenroof framing members plus the thickness of two roof framing members. 11)A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further comprising anopening having a location that is at least one from the group includinginterior and adjacent to said second end. 12) A roof ventilation systemas recited in claim 11, wherein said opening is at least one from thegroup including a slot and a gap. 13) A roof ventilation system asrecited in claim 11, wherein said opening is for interlocking aplurality of said panels to extend the length of said vent channel 14) Aroof ventilation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said opening isfor holding said panel during installation. 15) A roof ventilationsystem as recited in claim 11, further comprising an interlocking tab atsaid first end. 16) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1,comprising a first panel and a second panel installed along the lengthof said roof framing members to extend the length of said vent channel.17) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 16, wherein said firstend of said second panel is adjacent to said second end of said firstpanel. 18) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 17, whereinsaid second panel registers with said first panel. 19) A roofventilation system as recited in claim 18, wherein said second panel hasan interlocking tab at said first end that interlocks with an opening insaid first panel. 20) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1,wherein said panels are stackable. 21) A method of forming a roof ventchannel comprising; a) providing (i) a framed roof with exposed roofframing members and (ii) a panel including flanged lateral edges,wherein at least one of said flanged lateral edges has a registrationtab for registering with an adjacent panel; b) registering said panel tosaid adjacent panel on the roof framing members; c) securing said panelto the roof framing members; and d) installing roof sheathing over theroof framing members and said panel to create said roof vent channel.22) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said providing step furtherincludes providing a registration gap in said adjacent panel. 23) Amethod as recited in claim 22, wherein said registering step furtherincludes registering said registration tab to said registration gap insaid adjacent panel. 24) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein saidsecuring step further includes that said panel is secured through saidregistration tab. 25) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein saidproviding step further includes (iii) a baffle flap hinged to a firstend of said panel. 26) A method as recited in claim 24, furthercomprising adjusting said baffle flap to the roof framing members priorto step d) to create a barrier between the eave space and attic. 27) Amethod as recited in claim 21, wherein said providing step furtherincludes providing (iii) said panel including openings and (iv) acontinuation component including interlocking tabs. 28) A method asrecited in claim 27, further comprising laying said continuationcomponent along the length of said roof framing members prior to step d)such that said interlocking tabs interlock with said openings to extendthe length of said vent channel.